Definition and Implementation of W-STEM Mentoring Network

Abstract

The lack of women in STEM careers is a problem that affects all higher education institutions, not only in Latin America but also in Europe and other regions of the world. Improving access, retention, and orientation mechanisms in universities is fundamental to ensure that more women interested in these areas effectively pursue a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. The W-STEM project seeks to establish strategies to improve these mechanisms in Latin American institutions. Since 2019, it has addressed the improvement of attraction, access, retention, and orientation mechanisms. The W-STEM Mentoring Network is part of these strategies. Specifically, it aims to empower women and encourage their active participation in STEM programmes. The mentoring model implemented uses a three-way relationship: a mentor teacher, a mentor-student and the mentee. The Network provides guidelines for the implementation of mentoring programmes, but each institution involved has adapted them to their contexts and needs according to their Gender Equality Action Plan. This paper describes the guidelines developed through a collaborative co-creation process involving all project institutions under the coordination of the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (Ecuador) and the University of Salamanca (Spain).